August 30, 2013

So, we've got #CycleON -- Now what?

Thanks to the Toronto Star for getting a jump on the Ontario cycling strategy, that is to be released today (and is discussed in this Record website story).

Not to sound ungrateful, the synopsis doesn't sound a lot different from the material that was being circulated last November when I posted on it.

Our government leaders keep recycling the basic ideas -- shared roads, respect for cyclists, enhanced education programs -- without committing any actual bucks to back up the talk.

It would be flip to say "Change takes change", but the change we'd be talking about is more than pocket change. Infrastructure changes cost millions, and it isn't clear where that can be found in a minority government facing a deficit.

Comments

While the document may be short on details, that’s to be expected. This is a strategy, not an operational plan, which is quite clear in the document itself, how it was created, and how it’s been introduced.
.
The release of this document does mark a significant watershed in Ontario’s history. The plan was created through an extensive partnership and collaboration with stakeholders across the province at all levels of government and many interest groups.
.
That such a document emerges as a policy platform for the government, spanning all ministries, and with the support of all significant stakeholders, including submissions in response to last November’s draft from over 1,000 parties, is indeed a noteworthy milestone.
.
The document is clear that this 20 year framework will be implemented with a rolling series of action plans. That’s where to expect to see details on funding, priorities, initiatives and more. Organizing the first action plan is already underway, engaging the broad set of interest groups listed near the end of the strategy paper.
.
For the first time, Ontario has a vision and set of goals towards which we can work in unison instead of at odds across a previously balkanized collection of groups. That isn’t to say there won’t be debate — that’s essential to creating meaningful progress.
.
Count me in! And I look to the large majority of Ontarians who’ve already said they support these directions to also step forward to help.

I heard the Ontario wants to stiffen penalties for the 'door prize' - how about make it the same as if you run into something while driving? The difference between hitting a stationary cyclist with a car vs stopping a moving cyclist with a door has no basis in physics - or attentiveness- or harm... The door prize is a nasty 'finishing move' in car-fu.

(Name and email address are required. Email address will not be displayed with the comment.)

Name is required to post a comment

Please enter a valid email address

Invalid URL

Please enable JavaScript if you would like to comment on this blog.

Bill Bean

North America is eventually going to figure out that, for all the right reasons, we need more bicycles on our roads. Dust off your bicycle and go cycling. And if the gas-burning dinosaurs start to crowd you, it's your road and you paid for it. Take the lane for yourself.

September 2013

Legal...

Copyright Grand River Valley Newspapers Ltd. All rights reserved. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Record or www.therecord.com. The Record is not responsible for the content or views expressed on external sites. Distribution and transmission or republication of any material is strictly prohibited without the prior written permission of The Record.